You’re working hard, things are going well, piece by piece you’ve built a life you are proud of, you’ve overcome obstacles and challenges, beat the odds and then you find yourself at the center of an unexpected dilemma – do you risk it all to keep growing? What if growing means leaving the job you worked so hard to get or the industry you worked so hard to break into? How we approach risk often has a huge bearing on our journey and so we’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to share stories of risks they’ve taken.
Shalese Sands
I took one of the biggest risks of my life a few months ago–leaving my full-time job of 10 1/2 years to pursue my career as a wildlife artist. This had always been my dream to do my art full-time, but of course, that’s not a career that is easily attainable. Prior to that, I had always worked on my art on nights and weekends. I didn’t have much of a social life, but I knew the sacrifices would be worth it some day. Over the course of all these years, I had been building up my business on the side and allowing it to grow as much as I could with the restrictions I had. Read more>>
Hunter Allen
One of the largest risks I have taken was the one to start my own business. To have faith in myself, that I can create a well respected business that can provide for my family and myself. At the time I started my business I was rather lost in life and what I wanted. I knew I wasn’t happy with the traditional grind of a nine to five, I wasn’t happy feeling like my thoughts and ideas were not heard. I quit my last “job” right at the beginning of covid and didn’t really have anything lined up for work, I just knew I had to get out of what I was doing on a day to day basis. I worked for a garbage disposal company for about three days, in which i quickly asked myself again, “what are you doing?” I quit work there and picked up where I left off on a school project that I was truly passionate about. I am blessed enough to live in the same town as my parents, so me and my girlfriend at the time moved in with them. I started to work everyday to develop a website, product, and look for means of selling the product that I make today. Read more>>
Kameron Walker
A time I took a risk was when I worked recently as an art handler. as most emerging artist who started in that career field, art handling had showed me a perspective behind the scenes of the art world I never would’ve thought to see. however. I had realized my place there was soon to be stagnant. where in the grand scheme of things the low hierarchy of being an art handler left me on the sidelines as an artist. where I would install and deinstall a piece of art, being then told to step aside as curators admire the greatness of another artist’s work. from then on, I always thought bigger and knew I wanted more, so I had sacrificed my job to receive a call from a local art dealer in discussion of a winter exhibition in December. it can be scary at times as an artist not knowing when to go for an opportunity or the result of what taking a risk may bring you especially in cost of your only income, but my advice to my artist community would be to risk it all the time, even in failure risk it again and again and never loses sight of the things your heart desires. Read more>>
Cheryl Bailey
In 2020, I took a big risk on me, my happiness and the happiness of my family, when I uprooted and moved from the East Coast to Sedona, AZ. I lived my entire life in NJ. I was born and raised there and my roots went deep. However, I had often dreamed of living in Sedona. My husband and I had those plans for the future, but the future came fast when things became clear that it was the right time to move in the summer of 2020. Read more>>
Jennifer Sowders
I went to the Columbus College Art and Design, graduating with a major in illustration and a minor in advertising design. I later realized I really had a hunger to create fine art. I think what started the fire/desire was standing in an art museum, and admiring the work of masters, in what they were able to accomplish. This seed of thought actually occurred while I was still in school but I think this heart discovery was too late for me (in my mind). I didn’t want to spend more years in school to switch paths so I graduated an entered the workforce working for printing companies, with a little dissatisfaction and longing. Read more>>
JACK THE GREAT
Today the biggest risk so far has been letting the most high guide me on this path, having to blindly trust this is the way. Over the years ive always been glad i took the risk of moving towards the light and away from all the darkness. take the risk of letting the higher power lead. Read more>>
Robert Pardi
First off, I wanted to thank you for inviting me to share my story. Now, where do I start? The reason being, it is about taking risks as much as it is about defining moments. Looking back on my life from this point, I realize I have lived my life taking risks, pushing myself into discomfort in the pursuit of an elevated life experience. That being said, I would have to share a little about how I grew up and where this mindset comes from. The birthplace of my brand, Possibility in Action®, comes from having grown up with an abusive alcoholic father. This taught me early on that there were two choices we face in life: to accept things the way they are and “settle” or to take personal responsibility to change what we can to live the life we want. Read more>>
Adrian Williams
Shortly after COVID hit is when I decided I was going to join the content creator space. At the time I was working in sales for a company where I had to go in office every day for work. Once COVID hit all of that changed. I always loved being in front of the camera but it was just something I didn’t necessarily have time to do. So as soon as COVID forced everyone to work from home, it was almost a dream come true for me. This catapulted my drive and availability to get out and start a new hobby and potential make it a side hustle. Starting off it was a huge responsibility or risk because, while I was having fun taking pictures, I was also giving up a bunch of time, hearing some friends ask me why I’m always taking pictures instead of hanging out or relaxing, but for me, I had a certain goal in mind so I knew I had to sacrifice my time and take that leap of faith with this new journey of mine. Fast forward 2-3 years later, I’ve been able to make a living off of those risks or leaps of faith and I’m watching everything I envisioned come to life. Read more>>
Daisy De Dios
I took a leap of faith to pursue my passion for modeling, fully aware of the life-altering decision it would be. Despite always having a love for fashion and modeling, I never had the time to truly dedicate myself to it. However, I made the bold choice to leave my full-time job, knowing the sacrifices I would have to make to pursue a career in modeling. With the unwavering support of my family and friends, I can confidently say that it was the best decision I have ever made. I cherish every moment I spend in front of the camera, as it uplifts my spirit and brings me immense joy. Although I wish I had pursued my passion earlier, I firmly believe that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Read more>>
Nico Williams
First, I should mention that I don’t believe in coincidences. I feel that each and every person with a pulse has a purpose and If we truly desire to, we can both discover and live in it. In knowing that, It’s also important to recognize that while good things may come to those who wait; better comes to those who work for it. The work required is not the same for anyone but its usually pretty challenging for everyone. As a college student I was sure I was on the right track being pre-med but two short years later I found myself back in Houston; a psychology student– taking classes locally and seeking something to fill my creative void. Read more>>
Nessa Nguyễn
The biggest risk I ever took was actually the one that started my creative career. I didn’t have the traditional college path that most people do (4 years, one major, one college). My mother is a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant, meaning that if I wanted to pursue anything that was deemed not lucrative, it was a cardinal sin. She had a whole path laid out for me, go to Pharmacy school, become a pharmacist, open a pharmacy and I’d be set for life. A whole lifetime of expectations and pressuring led me to my first college semester as a pharmacy major. It took a huge toll on my mental health at the time as it was clear that it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Read more>>
Cesar Alan
The higher the risk the higher the reward as I like to implement. This is something Ive gravitated to thru out my journey in.all aspects. When I felt it was time to evolve whether in my career or even in leveling up as a person there’s always some feeling of uncertainty. Perhaps even comforts. One has to be confident that what may be put on the line is worth the projected end goal. If it means outcomes that create opportunities where it will level up your value then its worth it. Some people are willing to stay the same. That’s NOT a risk I ever recommend taking. Read more>>
Luna Beltran
Embracing the Wild Side of Life and Art: Taking Risks with Gusto. Life is like a roller coaster, and art? Imagine a painter staring at a blank canvas. The white abyss before them is both terrifying and tantalizing. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, contemplating a daring leap. But, they take that first brushstroke, a leap into the unknown, and the adventure begins. This audacious step is the essence of artistry. Read more>>
Ruth Ava Lyons
Being artists is a risky enough profession for myself and my lifelong partner Paul Sires, but in the 1980s we found a neglected, abandoned and boarded up commercial district in a mill village and began the process of renovating buildings with the intention of creating studios for ourselves and others .We had little income or support in this multi year endeavor. That area slowly became what is now known as the NODA art district, a bustling attraction for the entire city. A few years ago we embarked on a similar project again 1 mile from that now mainstream area.In an attempt to rise above some serious personal adversity and bring our family together, we set out to build a new business with our son Orion Sires in an industrial area that was off the beaten path. Read more>>
Ryley Gordon
The biggest risk I had to take was breaking away from generations of family cycles and stepping into my own voice when it came to body image, self love and holistic wellness. For a long time I thought negative self talk and poor health/eating habits was just a part of life. I started posting modeling photos on social media, which were highly edited and curated to be “perfect” but not long after I took a risk to share a more real and relatable side of myself. This was scary to say the least, and was a pivotable moment in my social media journey. Read more>>
Nico Williams
First, I should mention that I don’t believe in coincidences. I feel that each and every person with a pulse has a purpose and If we truly desire to, we can both discover and live in it. In knowing that, It’s also important to recognize that while good things may come to those who wait; better comes to those who work for it. The work required is not the same for anyone but its usually pretty challenging for everyone. As a college student I was sure I was on the right track being pre-med but two short years later I found myself back in Houston; a psychology student– taking classes locally and seeking something to fill my creative void. I chose Barber school and I couldn’t tell you why for the life of me. I can tell you that I grew up watching my mother work as a stylist and I always admired the freedom of expression in the craft. Read more>>
Justin Imamura
My life has not been risk free – it’s kind of part of the territory when starting your own nonprofit and working in the world of punk rock! As the leader of The Trash Punx, a San Jose based nonprofit dedicated to seeing a cleaner community and environment, we are known for hosting unconventional style events to help clean up the environment. The story of how I met Sabore Ole Oyie, a Maasai Warrior and Elder, and ended up in Kenya to clean up his village was a risk that would launch us into uncharted territory. Read more>>
Bryan Blair
My mentor always told me, “if it feels scary to jump, that’s exactly when you jump. Otherwise you stay in the same place for the rest of you life.” I took the risk to leave my hometown in San Francisco to move to Arizona and start a new journey in life. My first risk started when I decided to drop out of my university. I had a dream to pursue visual arts full time, and I never was really content with where the traditional school system was taking me. I always wanted more in life, but being able to take the risk to try something new and different is what stifles most people. Read more>>
Cecily Allen
I grew up in Atlanta, with the dream of working in the film industry in front of and behind the scenes. As a child of two immigrant parents, not going into the medical field or law school was discouraged. Once I went to college and pursued majors my parents approved of, I became lost. Eventually after dropping out more than once, I became plagued with anxiety and depression. My life became stagnant, and to make matters worse I became a disappointment to my family, and myself. I hopped from careers as an ESL teacher, then as a barista at a bubble tea shop, eventually ending up at Starbucks where my mental health took a dive for the worst. Read more>>
David Grange
As a performance coach, I have the privilege of working with high performing individuals around the globe. I love helping them get unstuck, create a plan and take action to achieve their biggest goals in their relationships, their health, their professional lives, their adventures and so much more! A lot of what I do revolves around powerful habits, mindsets, and creating lifestyles of high performance. A huge part of transformation is challenge, really challenging people to step outside their comfort zones and embracing discomfort to make a breakthrough. Read more>>
Sang Lam
At the age of 15, I decided to participate in an exchange student program to study in the United States. Which brought forward my interest in pursuing art as a career. There are a lot more creative job opportunities here than in Vietnam, where I grew up. I had packed up my things into two luggages and stayed with an American family for a school year. It was nerve-racking flying to a new country by yourself, not knowing anyone there. But I loved the experience and did another year of high school in the US. I then went to Ringling College of Art and Design to pursue an art career. Read more>>